7 Tips to Help your Child Adjust to Preschool

30 August,2018 |
Admin

Playtime in Daycare

A preschool is a great place for kids to develop valuable skills and interact with peers. It is where they learn how to follow simple directions and rules, take turns and share with other children. It is also an excellent venue that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond. While preschool offers many benefits for young children, the thought of attending one for the first time may make your child feel anxious. If you take time to plan the transition, adjusting to preschool can be a positive experience. Read this article to help your child become preschool ready.

Establish morning and bedtime routines

One of the things that young children learn in preschool is adjusting to a structured environment. But you can make the transition easier for them by setting a daily schedule at home. Establish morning and bedtime routines. Include activities such as taking a shower, brushing their teeth and dressing up. Routines are an excellent way to teach kids the concept of time and sequencing. It helps them mentally prepare for the structure in a preschool setting.

Visit the school ahead of time

If you have the time, it’s a great idea to do a sneak peek together with your child of the school while classes are ongoing . Visiting the school ahead of time will help your child become familiar with the preschool setting. It will give them an idea of the things they can expect as soon as they start going to school. It will also help them become comfortable with the classrooms and the surroundings. Tour them around the campus and allow them to play on the playground. When they start feeling comfortable, they will realize that preschool is not a bad idea after all.

Get your child excited about the first day

Help your little one forget about their anxiety by giving them something to look forward to on their first day. You have to be excited yourself about preschool so they would feel the same. Think about some of the things that will make preschool fun and exciting for them. Are they excited about their snacks? Or playing with new friends and classmates? Or wearing their new bag and pair of shoes? Highlight these things when you remind them about going to school the next day.

Playtime is important for growing kids

Arrive early

Rushing to school may add to your child’s anxiety. Be sure to get your child ready for school early so you get to arrive early. This will give them ample time to settle and get cozy in the classroom.

Ease your child’s bonding with the teacher and other kids

Kids can hardly learn if they feel anxious and fearful inside. To help ease their anxieties, introduce them to their teacher. Being connected to an adult will make them feel safer and at ease. It would also help to introduce them to at least a few of their classmates. When they find a buddy they can hang out and play with, preschool becomes more fun and exciting.

Calm your child’s fears

Young children always have fears that parents might find irrational. Know that these things are natural. These anxieties take place when children are about to face a huge transition, like attending school for the first time. When you know that your child feels worried about school, be sure to acknowledge their feelings and emotions. Don’t take them for granted. Listen to them and assure them that there is nothing they should worry about. Let them know that everything is going to be fine and that they will have fun at school.

Stay with your child until they are comfortable

Because it is your child’s first time in school, you might want to stay a little longer until your child is comfortable. Find them a seat where they feel secure and comfortable. Allow them to interact with other kids at their own pace. When you see that they’re starting to love school, you can leave them on their own when classes start and pick them up right after.

Attending preschool is a huge step for a child. Be sure to help them prepare for this wonderful and exciting learning experience by following our tips. Looking for the best preschool in Tucson for your little one? Please visit The Apple Tree Learning Center.